Royal Navy's HMS Dragon practises coming under attack from ballistic missiles in the Mediterranean during Iran mission
Portsmouth-based HMS Dragon has practised evasive manoeuvres in the Mediterranean
Dramatic scenes show UK warship HMS Dragon practising being attacked at sea.
The Portsmouth-based air defence destroyer is seen pulling off swerving manoeuvres as it simulates avoiding incoming missiles in the April 25 exercise.
Other scenes show the crew rapidly putting on protective gear as they rehearse drills for attacks by ballistic missiles.
HMS Dragon is operating in the eastern Mediterranean as part of a mission to conduct air defence operations to sovereign British territory, particularly RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
The Royal Navy said the "high speed manoeuvres" came as "HMS Dragon continues to conduct different training serials and manoeuvres to ensure operational readiness is sustained."
HMS Dragon's main role is air defence: providing protection to her fellow ships by detecting, interrogating and neutralising enemy threats with the Sea Viper anti‑air missile system, including drones, aircraft and missiles that could be launched by hostile actors such as Iran‑backed groups or regional state adversaries.
The Royal Navy has been left with only five active frigates after another warship was withdrawn, it has emerged. It is believed HMS Iron Duke may not set sail again, having reportedly been stripped of her weapons and sensors and not been to sea since October 2025, less than three years after a £103m refit.